An injury-hit Liverpool came back from 3-0 down against Barcelona a couple of years ago, though that was with supporters at Anfield. Given their recent home form, they could do with at least one more goal tonight.
Vinicius Junior will get the headlines, and quite right too, but Benzema’s movement and link play have been masterful. He is a quite brilliant No9.
Vinicius Junior goes on another dangerous run infield before finding Benzema, whose low shot is comfortably saved to his left by Alisson. At the other end, Jota heads wide from Salah’s cross.
Dear me, it was almost 4-1 a moment ago. Vinicius Junior charged down the right and played an inviting ball into the area for Asensio, who tried to turn away from Alexander-Arnold and Alisson but slightly mistimed his touch.
I’m not certain but I don’t think he was injured. The tactical change made perfect sense, but to do it after 42 minutes – rather than 45, or even 35 – is unusual.
Real have their first extended spell of possession in the second half, a good way to easte a couple of minutes. Eventually Valverde’s lobbed cross skims the head of the stretching Phillips, a vital touch that takes it away from Benzema.
A double change for Liverpool: Roberto Firmino and Xherdan Shaqiri replace Jota and Kabak. Fabinho has moved back into defence. Alexander-Arnold is booked for giving the assistant referee a mouthful. A change for Real: Rodrygo replaces the superb Vinicius Junior.